The NIH, the largest source of funding for medical research in the world, is the driving force behind many of the health advances we benefit from every day. Yet, in a recent Research!America survey, only nine percent of respondents correctly identified the NIH as the agency that funds most of the medical research paid for by U.S. taxpayers. Many are also unaware that most of the NIH budget, greater than 80 percent, goes outside the agency to universities and scientific institutions throughout the country.

To strengthen communications regarding the impact of NIH research, efforts are underway to present a unified and cohesive NIH identity. Earlier this year, the NIH adopted a new logo as the "visual mark" for the agency. It is only the fourth logo to be used by the NIH in its 125-year history.

The agency has also developed a new website — The Impact of NIH Research — that includes a toolbox with fact sheets, reports, slide sets, and other resources to help all of us better communicate the value of NIH-supported research.

Last week, NIAMS grantees received our biannual reminder that press releases, videos, publications, interviews with reporters, or other communications, must include acknowledgment of NIH support. We believe that this responsibility for appropriate funding acknowledgment lies not just with our grantees and their institutions, but with all of our stakeholders. We ask that you credit the agency when highlighting NIAMS/NIH-supported research in your e-newsletters, magazines and other communications. Any questions regarding the proper acknowledgment of federally-funded research can be directed to the NIAMS Office of Science Policy, Planning and Communications.

We live in an age of unprecedented scientific opportunity to improve the Nation’s health. Thank you for helping us to fulfill our commitment to inform the American public about the vital role of the NIH and biomedical research.